Basic Knife Sharpening Instructions

Sharpening your knife with a Wicked Edge precision sharpener is a consistent, guided-angle process that works across all models—from the WE60 to the Generation 4 Pro. While each sharpener has unique features such as angle settings and vise styles, the sharpening steps themselves remain the same. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps to get started, from positioning your knife to forming a burr and finishing with a clean, polished edge.

Getting Started: Know Your Knife

Before you begin sharpening, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of your knife. Understanding terms like "spine," "bevel," "cutting edge," and "heel" will help you better follow instructions and communicate any sharpening needs.

To learn how to operate the vise on your specific model—whether it's the Standard Vise or DualCam© Vise—visit our guide on clamping the knife.

Step-by-Step Sharpening Process

Step 1: Clamp the Knife Correctly

Rest the spine of your knife on the prongs of the Depth Key or the shelf in the DualCam© Vise. Align the start of the belly with the back of the vise. Use the following guideline based on blade height:

• If the blade is 1" or shorter (from spine to edge), use the top Depth Key holes.
• If the blade is taller than 1", use the bottom holes or shelf.

Step 2: Find Your Angle with the Marker Method

Use a marker to color the bevel, then make a light pass with your stone to see where the marker is removed. This helps you find the correct angle and “sweet spot” for sharpening. Watch this video tutorial and read more in our guide: How to Find Your Angle.

Step 3: Record Knife Position with Indexing Tools

Note the knife's position on your Alignment Guide, your depth setting, and the angle settings for both sides. This makes future touch-ups quick and consistent.

Step 4: Begin Sharpening and Remove the Marker

Recolor the bevel with your marker. Use alternating, edge-leading strokes (down and away) until the marker is fully removed from both sides. Once the marker is gone, you're ready to begin forming a burr.

See this video on edge-leading strokes for guidance.

Step 5: Form a Burr

Do 10 edge-leading strokes on one side and check the other for a burr. If none is felt along the full edge, switch sides and repeat. Continue alternating until a burr forms along the entire edge. Then, do the same for the opposite side.

Learn why this step is critical in our article: Drawing a Burr.

Step 6: Progress Through Grits

After forming a burr on both sides, move to the next higher grit. Do about 15 alternating, edge-leading passes per grit. Over time, you'll learn to hear and feel when it’s time to switch grits.

Step 7: Clean and Finish

When you've reached your final grit, remove the knife and wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel.

Need help deciding where to stop? Explore our article: What Is the Right Abrasive Progression for Me?

Touch-Up Instructions

One of the major advantages of Wicked Edge sharpeners is the ease of touch-ups. With your knife positioned using previously recorded settings, simply do 15 alternating edge-leading passes per side with your finishing grit. For example, if you ended your last session at 1000 grit, use 1000 grit again. You only need to recreate the burr if you're not satisfied with the sharpness or are repairing damage.

Learn more about our Wicked Edge precision sharpeners here.